This week, we have a West Coast based Maker and Stephanie Wong has not one but two handmade businesses! (High five girl!) Her handmade jewelry is to die for, so be sure to head over to her site and Instagram.

Why did you start your handmade business?

I've always loved making things and wanted to share what I made with the people around me (partially because how many scarves and necklaces can one person have)? For years, I've been making accessories and jewelry for myself. Every time I wore something I made, people asked about it. My philosophy has always been to create simple and elegant jewelry that can be worn everyday instead of just special occasions. In addition to making necklaces, my husband and I have started a spice rub company called Moon Rub. Can you tell we like to use our last name, Moon, in everything? My husband used this spice rub on a piece of salmon that he made the first time he met my family. We make the spice rub in small batches in our kitchen in Seattle. We even passed out Moon Rub at our wedding as favors. The spice rub can be used on meat, fish and veggies! (I have pics of the Moon Rub at our wedding)

Tell us about your handmade business

Jewelry - Moon Made aims to bring simple elegance to the everyday. Each necklace is handmade with care in Seattle. Stephanie is inspired by the idea that even the most ordinary day should have a bit of whimsy.

Spice Rub - Moon Rub makes it easy to add depth and flavor to any meal. Use it to marinate meat, chicken, fish or sprinkle on top of veggies. This all purpose spice rub makes it easy to elevate your every day cooking. Paleo friendly.

What has been the most effective way of gaining awareness for your business and attracting new customers?

Word of mouth and social media! I started off selling at an employee craft fair and then when I left that company, started to post pictures on social media. The pictures have also lead to my first retail account!

Photo Credit: Stephanie Moon

Photo Credit: Stephanie Moon

Photo Credit: Stephanie Moon

Photo Credit: Stephanie Moon

Photo Credit: Stephanie Moon

What have been your biggest business challenges?

Keeping momentum going.

How did you overcome these challenges?

I'm relaunching my website in the next few weeks. The new site will have better pictures and allow people to place orders right on the page.

What do you love about having your own handmade business?

I get to share the things I make with the community around me!

What is the best business advice that you ever received?

Keep doing what you love. This can mean so many different things, but since I love to make jewelry, I should keep making them even if I don't sell them all. With each necklace, I'll hone my skills more and also over time evolve my style.

My greatest fear is....

that people will not want to buy my jewelry.

What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?

Try more new things. Travel more (even if you have a small budget) and don't be scared to take risks. What's the worst that can happen?

My favorite business tool is...

Pinterest. I love it for keeping track of inspiration, interesting articles and it's really easy to access anywhere!